Syrian refugees

Germany welcomed Syrian refugees with open arms and two years later is still helping them integrate, pouring billions into aid. But Afghans and Iraqis are experiencing a different reality: The government wants them out. AJ+’s Dena Takruri visits Afghans at risk for deportation, speaks with the anti-immigrant AfD party and reunites with a Syrian refugee she met in 2015.

Europe’s borders have closed and a deal struck between the EU and Turkey in March 2016 has slowed the flow of refugees crossing the sea. Now, Greece is backlogged with 62,000 asylum applicants. AJ+’s Dena Takruri witnesses the limbo of Syrian asylum seekers in a Lesbos refugee camp and the efforts of Greeks still compelled to help those risking the dangerous journey.

The number of Syrian refugees going to Europe has been rising but they are just one part of the worst refugee crisis since World War II, and wealthy countries have been criticized for not doing more to open their doors to asylum seekers.

As the Syrian crisis enters its fifth year, an estimated 4 million people have fled the country due to fighting. The United States has taken in 584 refugees as of March 11, 2015. AJ+’s Dena Takruri talked to Um and Abu Gasem in Sacramento, California, about their new lives in the U.S. and the memories they left behind in Syria.